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Trump Orders Formal U.S. Security Guarantee for Qatar

The White House directive triggers joint planning with Doha, authorizing possible diplomatic, economic or military steps.

Overview

  • The order, dated September 29 and published October 1, declares any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty or critical infrastructure a threat to U.S. security.
  • It tasks the Pentagon, the secretary of state and the director of national intelligence with joint planning with Qatari counterparts to coordinate responses to foreign aggression.
  • The State Department is directed to affirm the guarantees to Doha and align them with allies, recognizing Qatar's record in mediation and diplomacy.
  • Qatar's foreign ministry welcomed the move as a step that strengthens bilateral defense relations and expands security and diplomatic cooperation.
  • The directive follows tensions after a September 9 Israeli strike in Doha that Qatari and Hamas sources said killed six people, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later apologizing and pledging no repeat.